In this movie version of 'The Life of a Team Member' (working title); the camera pans slowly across what appears to be a corporate office. We see workers dressed in business casual walking the hallways, coming in and out of conference rooms and sitting in cubicles. Two team members are talking outside a conference room door. As the camera closes in on the two we hear their conversation:

First Gary speaks: "Look Rick, I am not missing deadlines because it is fun. I like to honor my commitments. I have three other project managers who have assigned me deadlines on the same day."

Then we hear from Rick the project manager: "Well Gary those other three projects are NOT MY problem. If you cannot work in a fast paced environment maybe this is not the right place for you."

Gary: "My ability to work in a fast paced environment is NOT the issue here. I am allocated 50% on four different projects. Like it or not, it is physically impossible for me to give 200%."

Rick: "So what you are telling me is that you are unwilling to do what it takes?"

Gary: "No Rick, what I am telling you is that when combined, the schedules set by all four of you are impossible to meet. I am not the only team member with this issue."

Rick: "So now you are trying to make other team members look bad too?"

At this point both Gary and Rick are clearly upset. Rick is red and shaking.

Gary tries again: "No, I think what is needed is for some planning to occur across all four of the projects. We need some clear priorities so that when resources are over allocated, it is clear which projects get attention first. Better yet, we plan our projects without resource over allocation."

Rick (very sarcastically): "Hey thanks project manager Gary, now would you do us all a favor and go back and do the job you are paid to do? Maybe then you would not be missing your deadlines!"

At this point Gary shakes his head, turns and walks away.

Scene 1, Take 2

Here is a rewrite of scene 1. The camera angle and the set stay the same, only the dialogue and resultant body language have changed:

First Gary speaks: "Look Rick, I am not missing deadlines because it is fun. I like to honor my commitments. I have three other project managers who have assigned me deadlines on the same day."

Rick: "Gary, what does this mean for this project?"

Gary: "Well I am allocated at 50% to each project, yours included. Basically it is impossible for me to spend 200% of my time. I am doing the best I can, but even with 12 hour days I cannot meet all of your demands."

Rick: "Gary, this sounds like an issue that I need to address. If this is happening to you, it could be happening to our other team members too. I will schedule some time with the project management team to review resource allocation and project priorities. We could be headed for some serious issues if we do not get this out in the open now."

Gary: "Thanks Rick, I was hoping you would be the voice of reason."

Rick: "Thank YOU Gary. I appreciate that you have brought the real issue to light. In the meantime, hang in there and do the best you can."

Which scene take do you prefer? What if I tell you that is not a movie, this is real life and you play the role of 'Gary'. This will work for you men and don't worry ladies; we will rewrite the part for you so that you can have the experience of being 'Gary' too. We will just call you Gennifer. You might not want the role of Gary, unless we are using scene 1, take 2.

This scene probably occurs at least once a week in many work environments. The questions to ask yourself are:
Do I ever participate in this type of scene?

What role do I play?

What role do I want to play?
Every day you have the opportunity to be the director of your own 'Life of a Team Member' movie. Is this a drama, a comedy or a tragedy or an action adventure film? You write the script with your behaviors - you tell me!

Author's Bio:

Want to use this article in your eZine or web site?

You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Margaret Meloni is dedicated to helping professionals become free from the work related conflict that prevents them from experiencing peace. Margaret Meloni publishes the 'Turning Point' eZine on a bi-weekly basis. Contact Margaret at info@MargaretMeloni.com.
You can learn more about Margaret's programs and products at: http://www.margaretmeloni.com